Suspected Mycoplasma gallisepticum

[U_Stormcrow]

Thank you for this resource I haven’t been on this site yet. I also appreciate the advice in your reply and totally understand there are different approaches to this depending on people’s life and needs.
If I may ask one follow up, it would be safe to assume my other four gals have MG even though there are no symptoms right? I mean they shared a coop so I see no way they aren’t exposed and therefore want to re-introduce the 2 sick ones to the coop once their symptoms subside. (All this assuming their results come back positive tomorrow)

Yes. If they've been exposed, assume they are (at best) asymptomatic carriers. Because of the way MG transmits, by the time you've found a sick bird and confirmed a likely MG diagnosis, everyone that "shares space" with them is likely infected - and will be for life.

 

[Oatmeal6]

Yes. If they've been exposed, assume they are (at best) asymptomatic carriers. Because of the way MG transmits, by the time you've found a sick bird and confirmed a likely MG diagnosis, everyone that "shares space" with them is likely infected - and will be for life.

Thank you! I was thinking the same thing and just needed some validation when reuniting them all

 

[townchicks]

I have a small backyard flock that had a bird diagnosed with both MG and MS. None of the other hens that had lived with her for several years have ever been sick. She has since passed, but she stayed with her flock the whole time. All were older hens, over 4 years, so while I presume they are carriers, I also presume they have developed some resistance. No need to cull or separate your birds. Just don't sell or rehome them, and don't wear your chicken shoes out and about to avoid spread. Watch for symptoms and treat accordingly. You are doing great, and I think you will enjoy your flock for years to come.

 

[Oatmeal6]

Thank you ALL. This community is awesome.

I have a specific chicken handling outfit/shoes that will not be worn in public spaces. Crazy how easy this is to spread and I am so impressed by people who have strict bio security down!

Tomorrow we are going to the vet to test one gal (blue) although I’m pretty freaking sure they have it.

Now to research flock maintenance for this since there will definitely be flare ups. Everyone is on Denegard now (including the girls showing no symptoms - just a smaller dosage, I figure it will help prevent them from getting a flare up and being uncomfy)

Debating regular Denegard treatments or just when they have flare ups but hey I can have time to research that more while lab results return.

This is not what I thought I’d be dealing with when I started my chicken journey but this is why educating yourself before hand is so important and I have learned SO much. I will continue to learn while I have these girls and once they pass (of old age!!!) I can take the appropriate measures to start a new flock and be SUPER mindful of biosecurity! No new birds but that’s okay! I blame the wild birds at this point.

You all have been so kind. I felt embarrassed and scared of posting but this place is great

 

[townchicks]

I would only treat flare ups, don't treat regularly, due to risk of resistance to drugs building up. Pretty much all of us on here have dealt with something like this at some time or other, that's how we learn. Never be embarrassed to post. True biosecurity is really not possible in a backyard flock, we all do the best we can, and/or take calculated risks.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Thank you ALL. This community is awesome.

...

This is not what I thought I’d be dealing with when I started my chicken journey but this is why educating yourself before hand is so important and I have learned SO much. I will continue to learn while I have these girls and once they pass (of old age!!!) I can take the appropriate measures to start a new flock and be SUPER mindful of biosecurity! No new birds but that’s okay! I blame the wild birds at this point.

You all have been so kind. I felt embarrassed and scared of posting but this place is great

For an internet community, its surprisingly welcoming. We don't even do much gatekeeping. Those of us w/ experience, research, and a willingness to link to reputable sources just talk over the trolls till they find other bridges (Facebook, Twitter/X, etc.) to hide under.

and a handful of us are active in keeping up w. the new research.

Welcome again to BYC!